Scott Kohn, EVP & Head of Ad Sales At REELZ, explains how the network is evolving to meet a changing media landscape.
What’s your response to people who say linear TV is dying?
Linear TV isn’t dying – it’s evolving. There’s no doubt that viewing habits have shifted, but linear remains a vital part of the media mix, especially for media companies like REELZ, where we see strong, engaged audiences tuning in for our unique programming, especially our live programming. At the same time, we recognize the need to meet viewers and advertisers where they are, which is why we’ve expanded our offering beyond traditional linear. We recently launched REELZ EDGE, our data-driven video (DDV) platform, and REELZ+, our direct-to-consumer streaming app, giving brands more ways to connect with our valuable audience. The key for us is making it as easy as possible for advertisers to do business with us while ensuring they get real value from their investment.
What is the biggest challenge for the TV/video business right now?
One of the biggest challenges today is the increasing fragmentation and complexity of the advertising marketplace. With so many platforms and buying models, advertisers need partners who are easy to work with and who can deliver strong results. At REELZ, we’re focused on keeping things simple and effective—whether that’s through traditional linear deals or by expanding opportunities with REELZ EDGE and REELZ+. We know that brands are looking for flexibility, targeted solutions, and partners they can trust to help them navigate the evolving landscape. Our goal is to be just that—a reliable, results-driven partner that makes transactions seamless and delivers on what advertisers need.
How have Upfronts changed over the last few years?
Upfronts have also shifted from fixed, long-term commitments to more dynamic, data-driven discussions. Advertisers are demanding flexibility, deeper audience insights, and a mix of platforms to reach their consumers effectively. At REELZ, we recognize that success isn’t just about securing ad dollars—it’s about delivering real business outcomes for our clients. We’ve embraced this shift by expanding beyond traditional linear with REELZ EDGE and REELZ+, giving brands more ways to engage with our audience. But while the mechanics of the Upfronts have evolved, one thing hasn’t changed—advertisers still want strong partnerships, transparency, and confidence that their investments are working. That’s why we focus on making it easy to transact, being a great partner, and most importantly, delivering results that help brands achieve their goals.
